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For the sixth month in a row, interest from new buyers fell last month, slowing to the weakest rate seen since just after June's Brexit vote last year.

Sales volumes also fell to their lowest since July last year, the survey's findings reveal.

In terms of sales going ahead, only Wales and the South West saw an increase last month.

Against this 'sluggish' backdrop, the average time taken from listing to completion across the country increased to 18 weeks, up from 17 weeks a month earlier.

Over the next three months, the majority of surveyors expect sales volumes to continue falling.

In the rental market, most surveyors predict rents will only see a 'marginal' rise over the next few months.

Instructions from landlords slipped for the fourteenth month in a row last month, the RICs said.

Over the next year, rents across the UK are expected to rise by 2 per cent, but look set to fall in London.

Capital declines; Over the next year, rents across the UK are expected to rise by 2 per cent, but look set to fall in London

Rental market: In the rental market, most surveyors predict rents will only see a 'marginal' rise over the next few months

Simon Rubinsohn, chief economist at RICS, said: 'The stark divergence in key readings from the latest Rics survey demonstrates in the clearest possible terms just how important the regional narrative is at the present time.'

He said this will partly be due to affordability constraints hitting higher-priced parts of the market.

Mr Rubinsohn added: 'It is perhaps also indicative of a shift in economic momentum in the face of the increasing possibility of the first hike in base rates in over 10 years.

'That said, we are continuing to see evidence of shortage of stock both in the new build and second-hand market.

'Against such a backdrop, prices in general are likely to remain elevated and indeed, as the survey indicates, continue to rise over the medium term in most parts of the country.'

In September, data from the Office for National Statistics revealed that the average cost of a home across the UK was £226,000 in July, which is £11,000 more than at the same point a year earlier.

Slow market: East Anglia and the North East posted 'modestly negative' readings for house price growth

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